Walking History Tours of Tucson
The Real History of Tucson
Hi, I’m Mauro Trejo, a native Tucsonan and public historian with deep family roots in Tucson. I offer private and group tours as well as history talks. I work around your schedule, so reach out and let me know when is best for you and your group.
CLICK TO READ THE ARTICLE
I was honored to be a part of this episode about Tucson. The Trejo family is the black and white photo in this video. My great grandfather Pedro Trejo is seated and my great grandfather is standing. Picture taken in Tucson around 1905.
Walks and Talks
It's fall and the days and nights are cooler and even more beautiful! Come out and learn about the history of this amazing city from a native Tucsonan and public historian with deep family roots in the community.
The new Death After Dark Walking Tour is now bookable!
This PM tour covers the sites and macabre stories behind some of the most gruesome and interesting deaths throughout Tucson's history!
CLICK FOR TUCSON WEEKLY ARTICLE ABOUT THE DEATH AFTER DARK TOUR
You can schedule talks or tours as early as sunrise or in the late evening. Just contact me and let me know what works best for you or book any of the scheduled dates!
Barrio Viejo receives it National Historic designation this year and was just named as one of the 12 places to visit in the U.S.
About Me
I’m a 7th Generation Tucsonan with family going back to Tucson's Spanish Presidio since 1780.
From an early age, my grandfather would spend hours telling me about the people, places and daily life of early Tucson. This led to a lifelong fascination with the history of southern Arizona and Tucson. I currently work with three local history museums and have been sharing the history of this great city with people for over 20 years.
When not busy giving tours or talks, I spend my time researching and exploring new information to help keep my information accurate, interesting and relevant - which means returning guests will discover something new every time they tour with me.
Tour Testimonials
Our experience with Trejo's Walking Tours was one of the highlights of our visit to Tucson. His in-depth historical knowledge of the area was impressive and entertaining. He kept us engaged with his abundant factual information and colorful stories. It was a fun experience and an exceptional value. We have already recommended his to several friends who will be visiting Tucson
March 12, 2023
Had the pleasure of taking a couple of these tours and would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in taking a deep dive into the history of Tucson. Mauro is a very knowledgeable and engaging speaker; he was able to answer any questions our group had and then some. I look forward to taking the next tour!
June 15, 2022
WE took a 2-1/2 hour Historic Downtown Tour with Mauro. It was terrific! Mauro was very well informed on the history of Tucson and the region and provided it to us in an entertaining manner. He had many interesting stories about the founders of Tucson. We would highly reccomend this tour to anyone visiting Tucson!
March 20, 2023
Recently had the pleasure of taking a walking tour, and had such a great time! Tucson is a town with lots of history, and Mauro's personal connection and obvious love for his city absolutely shines as he'll take you from place to place. The stories have stories, and Mauro is more knowledgable about the fascinating history of the Old Pueblo than I am about anything! It's truly an impressive amount of knowledge, delivered in a vibrant and engaging manner. One of the best parts for me are the personal anecdotes he'll add along the way. Looking forward to the next tour!
April 15, 2023
Mauro took me on a grand tour of the greater Tucson area and I was amazed at the rich history of the region. We explored the rich gastronomic history that makes Tucson a UNESCO heritage site and many other features that describe the centuries of people calling the area home or merely passing through. What was best about the tour is that he was able to connect everything together so I could remember important events and places after the tour. I find myself pointing out the same things Mauro did when I have company visiting us. Thanks Mauro!
July 22, 2022
Mauro's tour was wonderful! He is an engaging speaker and his knowledge of Tucson's history is impressive. I couldn't recommend the tour more!
October 2, 2022
I've had the pleasure of doing 3 of Mauro Trejo's tours so far: Turquoise Trail, and Barrio Viejo & Santa Cruz River. All 3 were SO interesting! I can't say enough good things about him. He has so much knowledge and takes time along the way to answer any question, and if he doesn't know, he will find it out and get back to you. I love his personal anecdotes about growing up in Tucson and also enjoy reading the extra material he shares by email. I can't wait to complete all of his tours! I'm learning so much & Tucson is so lucky to have this 7th generation Historian!
I look forward to any future tours that Mauro creates! Thank you for all you do to keep tourism thriving in Tucson & maintaining the important culture & stories of the past--the good, bad & ugly.
January 4, 2024
Great, great tour- Mr. Trejo truly knows Tucson - I recommend it for everyone, not just for visitors.
April 15, 2023
I have really enjoyed both walks I've done with Mauro, the Santa Cruz walk and the Turquoise Trail.
He is very knowledgeable about his topics and presents them in an engaging manner. He really bring Tucson's history to life!
I highly recommend his tours to everyone!
July 16, 2023
I have really enjoyed both walks I've done with Mauro, the Santa Cruz Walk and the Turquoise Trail
He is very knowledgeable about his topics and presents them in an engaging manner. He really brings Tucson's history to life. I highly recommend his tours to everyone.
June 12, 2023
We booked a private walking tour of Tucson with Mauro for our extended family. Mauro is a historian with a passion for sharing his knowledge about Tucson. He did a great job covering the history of the city and the region, pointing out unique architectural styles and cultural events, and sharing lots of interesting local stories. Everyone in our group really enjoyed the tour. I highly recommend Trejo's Walking Tours.
December 31, 2023
The kind of superlatives that one might commonly apply to a great guide or tour are insufficient to describe the depth of information and warmth of presentation I've experienced on each Trejo Walking Tour. The history that flows through Mr. Trejo is made tangible by his passion, expertise and charming nature. I walk away from each interaction feeling closer to and more curious about the city I call home. Tucson's history is filled with stories beautiful and tragic. Mr. Trejo weaves stories that touch upon varied and complicated themes but they all fuel a hearth of dedication to this region and its people. History conveyed by the less talented can feel like an interminable list of lifeless dates and rote, rose-tinged folk tales told by the victors. Walking with Trejo, the barrios come back to life for those few minutes. The contrast between what remains and the vibrancy of what he describes is arresting. I'm grateful that the history of this area has such a thoughtful caretaker. I encourage anyone with an ounce of curiosity to take part in any tour he offers. I hope you leave overcome with wonder and humility as I have. How many times have I hurriedly crossed these streets, unaware of those who lived, loved, laughed, celebrated, fought and died under the same sun? We traipse idly among in the shadows of history we don't perceive. It's worth the time ; take a tour and breathe in the history of our beautiful city while there are wonderful historians like Mr. Trejo ready to bring it to life for you.
June 4, 2024
I have been wanting to do one of Mauro's tours for a while now, and I am so glad I got to do it! I did the Barrio Viejo tour and the amount of things he knew, right off the top of his head, was amazing! I thought I knew a lot about this city that I've lived in for 10 years, but I was wrong. I highly recommend these for anyone who is new to Tucson, and even those who have lived here their whole life! It's guaranteed you will learn something new about this amazing city.
June 4, 2024